Jets reporter expands on Justin Fields rumors amid Steelers uncertainty

Throughout the offseason, numerous reporters have linked the New York Jets with Steelers backup quarterback Justin Fields, even though Pittsburgh could re-sign him at any point before free agency officially begins on March 12. 

For a piece published Tuesday, Jets/NFL insider Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic shared why he believes Gang Green will end up with Fields later this month. 

"There has been a lot of buzz about the prospect of the Jets going after Fields and it makes some sense," Rosenblatt wrote. "He’s young (he turns 26 on Wednesday), mobile and might have some untapped potential even if he’s been inconsistent as a thrower in the NFL. He was off to a nice start in Pittsburgh last year before they ultimately opted to bench him for Russell Wilson."

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin turned to Wilson in Week 7 of the 2024 campaign even though Fields went 4-2 as a starter. Tomlin then stuck with Wilson through a five-game losing streak from Week 15 through Pittsburgh's wild-card playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Thus, many assume Tomlin isn't all-in on bringing Fields back even though NFL Media's Ian Rapoport said as recently as Tuesday morning that "Fields is more likely" to be the Steelers' QB1 for the 2025 season than Wilson. 

Meanwhile, teams like the Jets, Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns could all pursue Fields if he reaches free agency. It's unknown if Pittsburgh would match the best offer Fields receives after the free-agent negotiating window opens this coming Monday.  

"The most likely outcome for Fields this summer is that a team like the Jets gives him a one- or two-year prove-it type deal loaded with incentives, which would give him a shot at a bigger payday in a year or two," Rosenblatt continued. "Fields has a history with Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (they played together at Ohio State) and New York will have the cap space to sign him if they’re bidding against other teams — which sounds like a real possibility."

The Colts may want to land more than just some competition for 2023 first-round draft pick Anthony Richardson, while the Browns may make a blockbuster trade to grab Miami's Cam Ward via the top pick of this year's draft. As for Fields, he may want a fresh start away from Pittsburgh after he lost the starting job when he possessed a winning record this past October.